Novel ABA Receptor Agonists for Crop Drought Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current synthetic ABA receptor agonists, such as quinabactin and its derivatives, have limited activity in vegetative tissues and low persistence, failing to activate all ABA receptors effectively, which hinders their ability to enhance drought tolerance in crops.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel non-sulfonamide ABA receptor agonists with a new scaffold structure, optimized through virtual screening and structure-based design, which potently activate ABA receptors in both seeds and vegetative tissues, providing enhanced drought tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If quinabactin and its derivatives are used as ABA receptor agonists, then some ABA signaling activation is achieved, but activity in vegetative tissues is limited and persistence is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of ABA receptor agonists by changing key parameters such as replacing the sulfonamide linker with a carbonyl-containing linker, modifying the R1-R6 substituent positions and types, and adjusting the R7-R8 ring structure. These structural parameter changes result in compounds with enhanced potency and persistence in both seeds and vegetative tissues, directly resolving the contradiction between reliable activation and duration of action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite molecular structures by combining different functional groups and scaffold systems into unified agonist molecules. The new scaffolds integrate multiple binding motifs that simultaneously activate ABA receptors in different tissue types, achieving both reliable activation across tissues and extended persistence through the synergistic effect of multiple structural elements working together.
2Reliability
If existing ABA receptor agonists are used, then seed germination control is achieved, but activation of all ABA receptors in vegetative tissues is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs universal ABA receptor agonists that can activate multiple ABA receptor subtypes across different tissue types. The new scaffold structures with specific substituent patterns (R1-R8) enable the compounds to bind and activate ABA receptors in both seeds and vegetative tissues, achieving broad adaptability while maintaining reliable activation. This multi-functional capability allows a single compound class to address diverse physiological processes.
3Power
If sulfonamide-based ABA agonists are used, then ABA signaling is activated, but the compounds lack sufficient persistence in vegetative tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the chemical parameters of the linker region by replacing the sulfonamide group (—SO2—) with a carbonyl-containing group (—C(=O)— or —S(=O)2— with modified connectivity). This parameter change in the linker region maintains the ability to form hydrogen bonds with the receptor while improving metabolic stability and persistence in vegetative tissues, resolving the contradiction between activation power and duration of action.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The new ABA receptor agonists demonstrate increased potency and persistence, effectively activating all ABA receptors, leading to improved drought tolerance in various plant species, including important crop plants.
Implementation Method 1
These proteins contain a conserved three-dimensional architecture consisting of seven anti-parallel beta sheets, which surround a central alpha helix to form a 'helix-grip' motif, together, these structural elements form a ligand-binding pocket for binding ABA or other agonists.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention sets forth small novel abscisic acid (ABA) receptor agonist scaffolds and compounds with potent in vivo activity. In some aspects, the present invention provides agricultural formulations and methods comprising the ABA receptor agonists described herein, such as methods of managing crop water use and improving stress tolerance (e.g., drought tolerance). In some preferred embodiments, the inventive compounds have improved properties relative to the current “best in-class” molecules quinabactin and its derivatives.